Archaeology 200 provides an introduction to the discipline of archaeology and an overview of world prehistory. The course is divided into five segments designed to introduce students to human evolution and cultural development in association with the methods, techniques and theoretical models that archaeologists use to reconstruct the past.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours 3)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Exploring the Past – Archaeology, Prehistory and Interpretative Reconstruction of Culture
- Archaeology of Human Ancestors
Earliest Human Ancestors
Earliest Archaeological Sites – First Stone Tools
Homo Ergaster and the Lower Palaeolithic in Africa and the Near East
Lower Palaeolithic in Asia and Europe
Middle Palaeolithic and the Appearance of Neanderthals
- Origins of Modern Human Society
Appearance of Modern Humans
Late Palaeolithic Cultures of the Near East and Africa
Industries and Cultures of the Upper Palaeolithic in Europe
Art and Cognition in the Upper Palaeolithic
Initial Human Colonization of Australia
Peopling of the New World
- Post-Pleistocene Adaptions
Mesolithic Period in Europe
Post-Pleistocene Adaptations in the Americas
Origins of Agriculture
Origins of Agriculture in the Old World – Foragers to Farmers
Origins of Agriculture in the New World
Consequences of the Agricultural Revolution
- Development of Cities and States
Development of Cities and States - Mesopotamia and the Urban Revolution
The Indus Age – The Origins of Urbanism in South Asia
Rise of Complex Societies in Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa
Early Cities and States in China
Later Prehistoric Europe – A Different Pattern of Cultural Complexity
Complex Societies in Mesoamerica
Cities, States and Empires in the Andes
Middle-Range and Complex Societies in North America
- Future of Archaeology
Alternative Views of the Future and The Importance of an Indigenous Archaeology
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Recognize, describe and identify diagnostic artifact assemblages and prehistoric patterns of "development” as inferred by analogy, causal relationships and the archaeological record.
- Apply holistic methodology, including the development of hypotheses.
- Synthesize and compare archaeological datasets, distinguishing anomalies and patterns via deduction & analytical tactics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the course content.
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 100
Additional Course Comments:
- Late Policy: Late assignments are assessed a late penalty of 2.5% per day. Assignments that are submitted more than two weeks late will not be accepted. Assignment extensions may be arranged on reasonable grounds providing negotiation occurs prior to the due date.
- Assignment Format: Submitted work must be in digital format and will be marked for grammar, spelling, clarity and organization as well as content.
- Discussion Postings/Course Participation: In order to receive credit for student discussion, postings must appear no later than 2 weeks from the original date of the question posting.
- Final Exam: All students are required to take the final exam. Make-up exams will not be granted without a written medical excuse. Please consult your local college/university for more details regarding policy on deferred final examination.
- Academic offenses are taken seriously and students are directed to read the appropriate policy
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.